Coach Carter
Last night my leadership class was asked to view the movie "Coach Carter". The idea was for us to observe the leadership style of the legendary coach. Now, I have seen this movie before and I usually critique them for learning opportunities. But I must say, that watching the movie with the idea of looking for aspects of leadership was a very different experience. I noticed not only that he was obviously the leader and attempting to get his followers to higher ground. But I picked up on the way he led. His language. His demeanor. His posture. It was all very important to what he was trying to get accross. I reflected that these were common with the Robert Redford character of Irwin in our previous movie "The Last Castle".
It made me reflect on my ideas and comparisons that I have between Dr. Martin Luther King and El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolx X). I have an affinity for Malcolm X because I love his brash outspokeness. And while both were very successful in their missions, I must now accept the fact that Dr. King was more successful. He had many more followers. He had wider acceptance. I do beleive that Minister Malcolm was a far better teacher. It was Malcolm who introduced me to the history of slavery and its ramifications on the African in America. In fact, it was Malcolm who taught me about the remants of history in general. My favorite quote of all time is "Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research". - Malcolm X
So, as I reflect on the two movies along with what my ideals are regarding leadership, I have come to realize that how you present your case or how you carry yourself should definitely be taking into account. I also realize that it is important to speak in very precise terms and it a way that does not atagonize your potential followers. Coach Carter seemed to have a knack for this. Malcolm not so much. Of course, I realize the circumstances and times were much different. Dr. King understood this. And now I am starting to appreciate him more and in a different light that I ever have before.
This weekend is the anniversary of the Million Man March of 1995. I attended this march and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Leadership was on display in ways that I never imagined that I would observe. It is quite fitting that on this anniversary I find myself reflecting on leadership and comparing two of the greatest leaders of the 20th century and analzying them in a much different light. I guess I have grown. But I think it is also partly that I am gaining a wider view of what effective leadership can be.
Sincerely,
Kai Dupé
It made me reflect on my ideas and comparisons that I have between Dr. Martin Luther King and El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolx X). I have an affinity for Malcolm X because I love his brash outspokeness. And while both were very successful in their missions, I must now accept the fact that Dr. King was more successful. He had many more followers. He had wider acceptance. I do beleive that Minister Malcolm was a far better teacher. It was Malcolm who introduced me to the history of slavery and its ramifications on the African in America. In fact, it was Malcolm who taught me about the remants of history in general. My favorite quote of all time is "Of all our studies, history is best qualified to reward our research". - Malcolm X
So, as I reflect on the two movies along with what my ideals are regarding leadership, I have come to realize that how you present your case or how you carry yourself should definitely be taking into account. I also realize that it is important to speak in very precise terms and it a way that does not atagonize your potential followers. Coach Carter seemed to have a knack for this. Malcolm not so much. Of course, I realize the circumstances and times were much different. Dr. King understood this. And now I am starting to appreciate him more and in a different light that I ever have before.
This weekend is the anniversary of the Million Man March of 1995. I attended this march and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Leadership was on display in ways that I never imagined that I would observe. It is quite fitting that on this anniversary I find myself reflecting on leadership and comparing two of the greatest leaders of the 20th century and analzying them in a much different light. I guess I have grown. But I think it is also partly that I am gaining a wider view of what effective leadership can be.
Sincerely,
Kai Dupé
posted by Kai Ajala Dupé | 8:33 AM
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